Buddhists Reach Out to New Pope

The May 2005 e-newsletter of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship just arrived in my inbox. On May 1, 2005, this organization wrote a letter reaching out to the new pope (BPF’s Letter to Pope Benedict XVI). The letter was signed by the Executive Director, Staff, Board Members, and BPF International Advisory Council Members. The letter stated, "We offer this letter in the spirit of affirming a dialogue already well-begun, grounded in loving speech and understanding."

Founded in 1978 with the mission "to be a catalyst for socially engaged Buddhism, and to help all beings liberate themselves from the suffering we experience in our lives, in our relationships, institutions, and social systems," the organization has actively sought interfaith dialog. It is an affiliate of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. The letter was an effort to find common ground with Pope Benedict XVI and Catholics. "We affirm our solidarity with your opposition to war," they state. They cite a Buddhist teaching which I completely agree with, "Hatred does not cease by hatred, but by love alone does it cease." They also cite their agreement with the Catholic Church that the death penalty is wrong. In addition, they feel that Buddhists can learn much from the Catholic Church’s commitment to the poor, to charitable work, to education, healthcare, and social services. They are excited by the choice of the name Benedict, as they view Pope Benedict XV as a man who spoke out for peace during World War I.

I particularly liked one statement in the letter: "The Buddhist path is complete unto itself, but we recognize that many practitioners wish to honor and continue their own precious and long-held faith traditions." I couldn’t agree more. Several years ago, I was involved in a Soto Zen meditation group here in Pittsburgh. I actually am trying to find time to go back. However, I am glad to be back in the Presbyterian Church, where I grew up. I am attending the church where I was baptized, as well as a new More Light church where I feel more comfortable. But I know I can learn much from other traditions. I learned a lot and am a different person because I went to Krishnamurti’s talks for many years. I was involved with Siddha Yoga also for many years, and I gained so much from all the years of chanting in Sanskrit. I still take my cymbals to Round Hill to play along with the rock band at the Saturday night service. A part of me is still Hindu. When I lived in France, I hung out almost exclusively with Moslems. I will never be the same person after spending so much time with people who had so much faith in Allah, who thought nothing could happen except by Allah’s will, and who were at such peace because everything was in Allah’s hands. I also went to college with mostly Jewish people, and now I’m back in the Jewish neighborhood of Squirrel Hill at my new church where the church tries to build warm relationships with Jews. I also learn a lot from other Christian traditions, such as Catholicism. I watch EWTN, and this enriches my life and has given me a great appreciation for devotion to Mary. But the recent Buddhist influence is the strongest these days for me. I feel very strongly about being a vegetarian. I feel just as passionate about being against war and the death penalty. These experiences with other religions have made me a better Christian.